Dogs with certain types of upset tummies can take Imodium.
However, giving a dog Imodium can lead to severe constipation, sedation, bloat, and pancreatitis.
Therefore, the answer to whether dogs can take Imodium is yes, but there are considerations to adhere to before administering the medication to your dog.
Conversely, some dogs should not take Imodium to treat diarrhea that may result from infections or by ingestion of toxins, especially ones produced by microorganisms and causing disease when present at low concentrations in dogs’ bodies.
Thus, stopping diarrhea may not be of benefit in these areas.
Reminder: consult your vet first and keenly follow your vet’s instructions for dosage and administering the medication.
What is an Imodium?
Imodium (also known as Loperamide) is a synthetic opioid that helps stop diarrhea by reducing movement in the stomach.
As a result, it allows the body to absorb nutrients from the food and helps to prevent dehydration.
Despite being sold as a medicine to counter the disease, you should not administer it to your dog unless your veterinarian prescribes it.
In addition, some dogs experience difficulties breaking down the drug, therefore follow your vet’s instructions for dosage.
Exceptions for Imodium dosage in dogs include:
- Pregnant or nursing dogs
- The dogs have existing medical conditions such as head injuries and kidney diseases.
- Immature dogs below 20 pounds.
- The dogs display signs of sickness apart from diarrhea, i.e., vomiting.
- Those dogs are young.
- Those dogs exhibit a mutation in their bodies.
- The dogs that are receiving other types of medication.
Dosage for Imodium
The dosage of Imodium depends on the dog’s form of medication and weight.
Your vet can recommend a different dose or different treatment, but something close to 0.1mg/kg of Imodium administered twice a day.
According to Dawn Ruben, a veterinarian, the dosage for Imodium is a single capsule (2mg) for a 50-pound dog.
One can also cut the capsule into two halves for a 25-pound dog.
Liquid Imodium dosage for dogs is usually 0.3 to 0.6 ml per pound of weight administered two to three times a day.
It is advised for dogs who weigh less than 20 pounds since it allows for small dosages.
Pet keepers generally administer Imodium by pouring it over their dogs’ food.
While administering Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief, dogs should get one pill for every 25-50 pounds of weight.
This type of Imodium has 2 mg of Loperamide, and it also contains simethicone, which is usually safe for dogs.
However, dogs under 20 pounds are at high risk together with old and young dogs since they can overdose on Imodium.
Therefore, stick to your vet’s instructions. Since side effects are intense, one should contact their vet if they observe signs of concern.
Imodium details
Imodium is available in four different types, which all of them contain the main constituent, Loperamide.
Since Loperamide is an antimotility drug, it slows down movement in the gut and helps control diarrhea.
- Imodium A-D caplets: These are capsule-shaped like tablets taken by mouth.
- Imodium A-D soft gels: These are liquid-filled capsules and taken by mouth.
- Imodium A-D oral solution: This is a liquid taken by mouth.
Drug interactions one should be aware of
When administering Imodium, one should caution the following medications: erythromycin, gemfibrozil, quinidine, verapamil, amiodarone, carvedilol, CYP2B11/CYP2D15/CYP3A12 substrates, ketoconazole, itraconazole, tamoxifen, trimethoprim, and sulfamethoxazole.
In addition, Imodium may act mutually with lipase and amylase blood values by enlarging them for up to 24 hours after dosage.
Thus, inform your veterinarian that you are giving your dog Imodium before taking any blood tests.
Medication monitoring needs
One should monitor your pet’s electrolyte and hydration levels.
Also, your veterinarian may monitor if your pet’s medication is working.
Finally, continuously monitor your dog for sedation levels and any side effects at home.
How to store Imodium
Always keep this medication at a medication of around 15C and 25C and away from light.
Possible side effects
Compared with other medications, Imodium has some side effects on dogs.
They include the following:
- Puking.
- Signs of dehydration.
- Indications of abdominal pain.
- Loss of weight.
- Elementary stoppage or constipation.
- Soft stools.
- Intestinal gas.
- Sluggish or lethargic symptoms.
Therefore, when you observe any signs of the above side effects on your dog after medication, consult your vet.
Examples of other side effects of this drug include paralysis of the intestines, pancreatitis, blood in stool, depression of brain function, and abnormal enlargement of the colon.
Therefore, if you discover your dog is experiencing this type of side effect, stop the administration of Imodium and consult the veterinarian immediately.
Alternative remedies to Imodium
Getting alternative remedies or treatments for your dog is the best way for many dog parents.
There are various ways to help a dog during recovery, including dietary changes, supplements, and keeping the dog hydrated.
As numerously emphasized, consult your veterinarian before any medication.
The vet will closely examine the dog and approve any drug you wish to apply.
Immediately after your vet has confirmed that your pet is only suffering from diarrhea, discuss any possible alternative remedies.
Some of these remedies include:
- Fasting: Considerably, almost all animals fast if they are ill. Conversely, one should stop feeding one’s dogs if they are sick. Consult your vet to inform or advise you about the length of fasting and the diet during the dog’s recovery.
- Probiotics: Research has indicated that this approach is gentler compared to other treatment approaches. Probiotics are a dietary supplement that helps digestive health and can provide relaxation from intermittent diarrhea.
- Bland Diet: What you feed your dogs during their illness period significantly impacts their recovery. Therefore, many veterinarians advise that owners provide their sick dogs with special meals consisting of plain rice and boneless boiled chicken for days until their dog’s illness has subsided. This kind of digestible food offers your dog an easy time digesting it, allowing the digestive tract to rest and provide essential nutrients.
- Slippery Elm: Slippery elm has more benefits for owners who prefer natural treatment to their dog’s diarrhea. Discuss with your vet to see if it is a recommended remedy and a safe approach.
Ways to help prevent canine diarrhea
Even though there are no proven ways to prevent diarrhea, there are some practices that may help prevent or reduce this condition, including:
- Provide your dog with up-to-date deworming and vaccinations.
- Do not allow your dog to play with small objects that can be swallowed easily by dogs.
- Avoid disrupting the diet of your dog.
- Refrain feeding your dog with human food or table scraps.
- Stop giving your dog bones as toys; instead, provide them with rubber chew toys.
- Prevent your dog from collecting anything during walks.